Maine's solid waste management hierarchy classifies the preferred method for trash diversion based on its environmental footprint and function as a resource. The Maine DEP considers the use of landfills to be "an option of last resort" and prioritizes reducing, reusing, recycling, composting or anaerobic digestion, and waste-to-energy incineration as trash management preferences. Today's landfills can be used for photovoltaic solar generation sites, landfill gas to energy, redevelopment for parks and commercial use and materials recycling. And, converting trash to energy can reduce its volume by up to 90 percent while generating electricity.

The Environmental & Natural Resources Committee has been grappling with the waste hierarchy to address electricity cost issues that could impact the financial viability of Maine’s waste-to-energy and landfill facilities. This panel will examine business scenarios under Maine’s waste hierarchy and how they fit within the policy and permitting framework.